Area Soldiers Welcomed Home From Middle East Duty

HAPPY TO HAVE THEM BACK – Joy-filled family members and friends welcomed the return (above) Sunday morning (Feb. 27, 2011) of 96 members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 228th Engineer Company to their Spring City PA Armory, after completing a year-long deployment in Iraq. The 228th was tasked with what officers said was “a difficult and dangerous mission” clearing travel routes in the country and keeping them safe. The homecoming, celebrated with handshakes (right), hugs, and a small on-site party, marked the successful end (below) to the fourth major deployment of personnel from across western Montgomery County and headquartered at the Spring City Armory to support Middle East war efforts since September 2001. The arriving heroes were escorted from Fort Dix NJ by A Hero’s Welcome and Warriors’ Watch Riders, two organizations whose mission is to ensure returning soldiers are properly greeted. Handmade signs (bottom) also expressed the welcomers’ sentiments.

Photos for The Post by Billy Worrell, Pottsgrove American Legion Post 244